Optimizing Early Resuscitation in Septic Shock: Balancing Fluids and Vasopressors

Highlight

• Early vasopressor initiation combined with restricted intravenous fluids did not improve 90-day survival or hospital-free days compared to standard higher fluid volume and later vasopressor use in septic shock.
• The vasopressor-first strategy significantly reduced administered intravenous fluid volume within the first 24 hours.
• Incidence of pulmonary edema was significantly lower in the vasopressor group, suggesting reduced fluid overload complications.
• No significant differences in other adverse events were observed between fluid-restricted and fluid-liberal strategies.

Study Background